Homelessness

183. We understand that being homeless or being at risk of becoming homeless presents a real risk to a child’s welfare. The DSL (and any deputies) are aware of contact details and referral routes in to the Local Housing Authority so they can raise/progress concerns at the earliest opportunity. Indicators that a family may be at risk of homelessness include household debt, rent arrears, domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour, as well as the family being asked to leave a property. As appropriate, we will make referrals and/or hold discussions with the Local Housing Authority. However, this does not, and will not, replace a referral into children’s social care where a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm.

184. We will consider homelessness in the context of children who live with their families, and intervention will be on that basis.

185. We recognise in some cases 16- and 17-year-olds could be living independently from their parents or guardians, for example through their exclusion from the family home, and will require a different level of intervention and support. Children’s services will be the lead agency for these young people and the designated safeguarding lead (or a deputy) will ensure appropriate referrals are made based on the child’s circumstances. In these cases will follow the department and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government joint statutory guidance on the provision of accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be homeless and/ or require accommodation.

So-called ‘honour-based’ abuse (including Female Genital Mutilation and Forced Marriage)

186. We recognise that so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse (HBA) encompasses incidents or crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or the community, including female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and practices, such as breast ironing. Abuse committed in the context of preserving “honour” often involves a wider network of family or community pressure and can include multiple perpetrators. We are aware of this dynamic and will consider additional risk factors when deciding what form of safeguarding action to take. We see all forms of HBA as abuse (regardless of the motivation) and will handle and escalate as such. We will ensure our community are alert to the possibility of a child being at risk of HBA, or already having suffered HBA.

Actions

187. If staff have a concern regarding a child that might be at risk of HBA or who has suffered from HBA, they should speak to the DSL (or a deputy). As appropriate, they will activate the local safeguarding procedures by contacting Family Connect/local social care team for the child and if necessary, the police.